LADY Eagles Head Coach, Oumar Guindo has admitted that his team met a strong Super Falcons after they fell 6-0 to the tournament defending champions.
"To play a team like Nigeria in the first match at a tournament of this nature is always going to be difficult. We met a strong team and it was not easy for us. We are a young team and my players have yet to adapt," said Guindo in his post-match comments.
"For six years, Mali failed to qualify for the final tournament of the Women’s AFCON until this year. Also, our preparation was not the best as we played only one friendly match against Cameroon.
"After that, we did not test our readiness against any tough opposition. There are still two matches to play.
"Our objective remains going past the group stage and we will work towards achieving that. We are a young team and are hoping that in the near future we will be at the level of a team from Nigeria."
Francisca Ordega opened the floodgate of goals for Nigeria when she found the Malian net in the 22nd minute with a fabulous finish.
Oshoala doubled the lead for the Super Falcons three minute before the end of first half.
Three minutes after the restart of the second half, Esther Sunday increased Nigeria's goal tally to 3-0, after she stepped up to score for the spot kick as Igbinovia was fouled in the box.
Oshoala in the 64th minute then made a mess out of Mali defenders after she took a pass, then raced pass them and rounded the helpless goalkeeper to make it 4-0.
Five minutes later, the Arsenal Ladies ace then completed her hat-trick after a cool finish.
Oshoala, who was having a filled evening at the right side of the Malian defence causing problems with her energetic pace in the 78th minute scored Nigeria's sixth goal of the evening, as the Falcons claimed her first 3points of the championship.
